1. Not warming up

Even walking requires a good warm-up in order to avoid unwanted injuries and get ready for the workout coming up. While walking on the treadmill counts also as a warm-up, but it is not enough for the workout to follow, and getting up on the treadmill without a single workout is a big mistake. Therefore make sure that warm-up for a good 10 to 15 minutes to be able to walk on high speeds and to loosen your muscles properly.

2. Keeping your eyes on the monitor

What is good about nowadays treadmills, is that they have a monitor that keeps track of your progress telling you the distance you’ve walked, the calories you’ve burnt, and how long you’ve been on this machine. However, keeping your eyes glued on these numbers is not the best idea because of the bad posture it puts you in. instead, make sure your arms are swinging and your shoulders, neck, and back are not lowered due to looking down. Look up as if you were walking outdoor to burn more calories while avoiding the pains and aches.

3. Putting your hands on the handrails while walking

While putting your hands on the handrail is one way to make yourself feel safe, or to be able to walk faster, this should be avoided. Keeping your hands loose and swinging while walking, is very important to balance your steps and burn more calories due to the overall movements.

4. Not taking into consideration your safety

There are many things that you do on the treadmill that puts you in danger. First of all, avoid turning the machine on and setting the speed before you are actually standing on it and ready to move. Second of all, keeping your towel close to the treadmill, and in a loose way where it may fall, can cause you to trip and fall causing injuries. Make sure not to have any objects near you that could fall on the belt of the machine. Third of all, using your phone can distract you and keep you out of focus which could make you fall or lose your balance. Finally, looking in a direction that is not in front of you, will cause your body to go towards this direction. Therefore, keep your eyes looking forward.

5. Not taking advantage of the programs of the treadmill

The treadmill has pre-programmed workouts which can allow you to use it for several types of walking one of the backward walking and inclined activity. Taking advantage of these programs can help you stimulate different muscle groups instead of the same ones you use for the basic walking sessions.